Person:
Kelly, Cavenaugh

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https://www.husson.edu/directory/kelly_cavenaugh
Term at University
2014 - current
Research Projects
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Assistant Professor, School of Occupational Therapy
Last Name
Kelly
First Name
Cavenaugh
Name
Degrees Held
Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Maine
M.S. Occupational Therapy, University of Sourthern Maine
B.A. English Literature, University of Southern Maine

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2025 - 20263
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End date: 2026 × Has files: true ×

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Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Publication
    ASSESSING THE COMMUNITY MOBILITY NEEDS OF ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS IN RURAL AND URBAN MAINE
    (2025-04-17) Baron, Gabrielle; Bicknell, Isabelle; Girsa, Maisey; Kelly, Cavenaugh
    This mixed methods survey examines community mobility patterns and barriers of community-dwelling elderly individuals in Maine. Community mobility includes driving, walking, biking, wheelchair use, and accessing public or private transportation (Justiss, 2013). Limited community mobility factors like inadequate transportation and socioeconomic challenges significantly impact health outcomes (Syed, S.T, et al., 2013). Transportation barriers lead to missed or rescheduled medical appointments, delayed care, and lapses in medication adherence, which can worsen chronic illnesses and result in poorer health outcomes (Syed, S.T, et al., 2013). Urban areas have dense populations, developed infrastructure, and nearby grocery stores, healthcare, and transit. High density and limited infrastructure hinder those with mobility or cognitive impairments. Uneven sidewalks, crowding, traffic, and scarce accessible parking are common issues (Pendleton & Schultz-Krohn, 2018). The CDC (2019) also notes navigating urban grocery stores and public transit overwhelms individuals with disabilities, leading to decreased participation in activities. Transportation barriers in rural Maine healthcare access cause missed appointments and worsening health disparities (Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). Residents of rural communities in Maine have unique socioeconomic and age-related vulnerabilities that impact access to health services. Maine is the oldest and most rural state in the country (Gale et al., 2017). A literature search on EBSCO, PubMed, and Google Scholar using terms such as community mobility," "Maine," "older adults," "survey," and "public transportation," yielded no relevant studies, highlighting the need for research in this area. Our research question is: How does community mobility impact the quality of life for a sample of the elderly population in rural and urban areas of Maine? Survey criteria of a sample population of rural adults in Maine: those over the age of 60 who use mobility aids, require assistance for basic activities, or have fallen over three times in the past six months.
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    Publication
    ADHERENCE VARIANCE OF DIFFERING EXERCISE PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH UPPER EXTREMITY TENDONITIS
    (2026-04-16) Martel, Laura; Kelly, Cavenaugh
    Upper extremity tendonitis is a broad and common diagnosis that may be improved by conservative treatment methods, such as rehabilitative exercise programs to reduce pain and improve function. Upper extremity exercise programs for tendonitis have been shown to enhance quality of life through improved pain experiences, physical functioning, and functionality of the affected limb. A key aspect of exercise interventions is a home exercise program (HEP), where patients are asked to do prescribed exercises outside the clinic. HEPs are becoming an increasingly prevalent delivery methodology for exercise programs due to the increasing cost of therapy and need for transportation to outpatient therapy services. Home exercise programs can be delivered in a variety of forms. Due to a multitude of factors, such as limited medical insight, forgetfulness, and limited social support, home exercise programs may result in a lack of adherence from clients that can lead to persistent pain and limited functionality. The aim of this research study is to determine the variance of adherence rates between three identified types of home exercise programs, written only, written with images, and individualized videos. In order to determine the variances between the three identified home exercise programs, a study is proposed to compare surveyed HEP patient compliance at an outpatient occupational and physical therapy clinic. The survey to be completed by patients is the Adherence to Exercise for Musculoskeletal Pain Tool (ATEMPT). The ATEMPT survey has demonstrated validity in assessing compliance behaviors, confidence to perform each exercise, and perceived difficulty of the exercises prescribed. Following the collection of data samples from participants, statistical analysis will compare the three established home exercise programs to determine which home exercise program provided the greatest adherence rates. Data from the analysis will then potentially drive future decisions and design of HEPs at the clinic to maximize patient participation and benefit.
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    Publication
    ASSESSING THE COMMUNITY MOBILITY NEEDS OF COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
    (2026-04-16) Beaulieu, Taylor; Munro, Katelyn; Richardson, Andrea; Salter, Hanah; Kelly, Cavenaugh
    Community mobility is defined as the ability to navigate through the world safely and independently, which allows people to participate in daily life, stay connected, and get where they need to go. Community mobility enables individuals to access resources, participate in meaningful activities, maintain independence, and stay socially connected within their communities. Populations impacted by community mobility barriers include older adults, individuals with disabilities, people with chronic health conditions, and those living in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Older adults, in particular, face multiple barriers to community access, including limited financial resources, inaccessible built environments, and insufficient transportation options. Age-related physical, sensory, and cognitive changes further complicate safe navigation and use of transportation. Rural isolation, long-traveled distances, and lack of nearby services intensify these challenges. Together, these barriers restrict participation in meaningful activities, increase dependence, and contribute to social isolation and poor health outcomes. There are multiple solutions to improve community mobility and reduce accessibility barriers. Telemedicine and mobile clinics are two key approaches to improving access to healthcare in rural areas. Skilled mobility device and balance training, patient-centered medical homes, and coordinated care, can also help to lower costs, and improve functional mobility. Additionally, supports for transportation, such as subsidized driving assistance, have been noted to enhance independent community participation and access. In this study of individuals in an elderly housing complex, community mobility barriers will be identified through the Occupational Therapy Checklist of Community Mobility Skills (CCMS) survey, and qualitative interviews, to examine issues regarding transportation access, financial limitations, physical mobility, safety concerns, and social supports. Data will then be used to target potential solutions, such as referral to local ride-share programs, travel buddy systems, Personal Support Specialists (PSS) for community tasks, increased access to telehealth, and student liaison assistance through a resource app to coordinate needs.